Underwater Preserves

Underwater Preserves

Under the 1975 Vermont Historic Preservation Act, all underwater historic sites beneath state waters belong in public trust to the people of the State of Vermont. The state's responsibility is to protect, wisely manage and interpret this public heritage. Establishing a preserve is one way to accomplish these goals by making it easy for divers to safely locate historic wreck sites, by protecting the wrecks from accidental anchor damage, and by helping you to understand the life and history of each wreck.